Statement by Speaker Bass on Swearing-in of General Kight as First African American Female National Guard Adjutant General

SACRAMENTO--Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) made the following remarks at today's swearing-in of Brigadier General Mary J. Kight as the first African American female National Guard adjutant general in the nation:

"Having grown up in Monterey and served in Nebraska, General Kight has shown she can definitely adapt to any situation. Her reputation is someone who cares deeply for the men and women in the guard-especially when it comes to educational opportunity, such as the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program, which she advocated for and which the Legislature approved last year as part of the budget and helping ease financial hardships. A path the rest of us here should strive for for the people of California.

"General Kight has said one of her favorite things is sharing her experiences with the next generation. That's important. When I was sworn in as the first African American woman Speaker of the Assembly, I knew I only got there because I stood on the shoulders of those who came before me. And I know how important it is to make room for those to come.

"And I am delighted to see a leader like General Kight helping provide inspiration for so many young women and men and helping them build their futures. Finally, in the week we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sit-ins that desegregated lunch counters throughout the land and that accelerated the civil rights movement, it is important to note yet another milestone on how far we have come--even as we reflect that the journey still has far to go."